Writer – Mark Verheiden
Artist – Luke McDonnell
Colours – Anthony Tollin
Letters – Bob Pinaha

In Bayanaga, President Sankara believes peace will rule out in Africa and tries to lead by example to bring that about. Not all of his neighbours feel that way, though, as they continue to fight, squabble, and create wars that many feel will never end. Sankara also wants to open up trade with Europe, something his rivals and compatriots do not want but feels like it will open up opportunities to make Africa better. One such person who is vehemently opposed is General Karanja who only sees enemies wherever he looks and for that, Sankara is sad that any man could be as such. What is even more tragic is that peace is intolerable for some and Sankara is killed one night, discovered the next morning and all the blame for it left at the feet of The Phantom. It seems unfathomable and yet the impression of a skull is left upon the forehead of the deceased, much like the one The Phantom leaves with his ring and it is evidence so damning that his arrest is called for despite the plethora of suspects who now reside in Bayanaga. When word reaches The Phantom, he knows that he must intervene and find the real culprit, even if that means leaving a returning Diana and her family who have come for their wedding. It is a tough decision but his duty comes first no matter what he might feel and Diana understands that even though on some level, she may not agree with it. Arriving in Bayanaga, The Phantom soon finds more than he bargained for as it has all been a setup to trap him and it is a situation that he may not get out of alive. If there is one thing readers never thought they would see, it is The Phantom in handcuffs in the back of a police car. Authors Mark Verheiden and Luke McDonnell do a fantastic job in the telling of this latest tale, presenting something just a little bit different. It is not often one sees The Phantom on the receiving end of an attack, though this one has been planned down to the smallest detail and it is obviously by a man from The Phantom’s past. It of course remains to be seen just how The Ghost Who Walks will come out of it, what with the book being left off on a cliffhanger but that is just one of the things that make this story so great. Also a little sad is that this is the second-to-last issue of the series, yet perhaps knowing that Verheiden and company want to send The Phantom off with a bang and so far, they are succeeding in that very task. Excellent stuff from start to finish.

4 out of 5